COMPARISON OF HOSPITALIZATION STAY IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHIOLITIS TREATED WITH AND WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

Background: Bronchiolitis is a common viral illness in children, yet antibiotics are often overused, causing antimicrobial resistance and side effects. This study was conducted locally to compare hospitalization duration in children treated with and without antibiotics to promote rational use antimicrobials.

Objectives: To compare hospital, stay during treatment of bronchiolitis in children with and without antibiotics.

Duration: Six months w.e.f. 01-11-2024 to 30-04-2025

Methodology: After approval from the Hospital’s Ethical Review Board, 110 children with clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis (55 in each group) admitted to Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital were enrolled after obtaining parental consent. All patients received standard treatment, including hypertonic saline IV fluids nebulization and oxygen therapy. Group A was treated with Azithromycin, while Group B received a placebo. Clinical observations and laboratory tests were recorded. Collected data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 27. 

Results: The study included 110 children with bronchiolitis (mean age 15.30±5.69 months; 52.6% boys). Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, BMI, respiratory rate, fever, and oxygen saturation, were comparable between Group A (antibiotic) and Group B (placebo). Group B had a significantly shorter mean hospital stay.

Conclusion: In conclusion, children with bronchiolitis treated without antibiotics (placebo group) had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to those receiving antibiotics, despite similar baseline characteristics and clinical parameters. The findings suggest that routine antibiotic use may not reduce hospitalization duration in bronchiolitis and should be avoided unless clearly indicated.